Bracco Italiano Care: Exercise, Ears and Health Screening
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By Dr Duncan Houston
The Bracco Italiano is an Italian pointing dog with a substantial build, long ears and an interest in exploring scents. Its sporting background matters when planning activity, while its skin folds, ears and inherited health risks deserve specific attention.
Quick Answer
Bracchi need regular, suitable exercise, reward-based training and companionship, with secure management around wildlife. Routine care should include body-condition checks, ear and eye observation, and veterinary discussion of kidney health. Before choosing a puppy, ask for parental hip, elbow, eye and kidney screening results.
Activity and family life
Offer walks, sniffing and safe retrieving or search games, building fitness gradually. A fixed one- or two-hour target is inappropriate for every puppy, senior or recovering dog. Stop when movement becomes uneven or recovery is poor.
Teach recall and loose-lead walking in easy settings, then add distractions gradually. Use a lead or secure enclosure around roads, livestock and wildlife. Introduce other pets carefully and supervise children; a friendly reputation does not guarantee individual compatibility.
Short, rewarding sessions can build handling, calm greetings and comfortable time alone. The AVSAB humane training guidance supports reward-based methods. Harsh correction is unnecessary and can undermine confidence.
Health priorities
| Area | What to discuss or watch for |
|---|---|
| Hips and elbows | Parental screening, healthy weight and assessment of limping or difficulty rising. |
| Eyes and eyelids | Screening for inherited disease; urgent assessment of squinting, redness or rubbing. |
| Kidneys | Family records and an individual monitoring plan; report increased thirst, urination, weight loss or reduced appetite. |
| Ears and skin | Check for discharge, odour, itch and pain; recurrent problems need a diagnosis. |
The Bracco Italiano Club of America recommends hip, elbow, eye and kidney testing before breeding. Its health guidance identifies renal amyloidosis and renal maldevelopment and recommends annual kidney screening. Ask your vet which blood and urine checks fit your dog and how to interpret trends. A normal result today does not guarantee that disease cannot develop later.
Increased drinking is not specific to kidney disease, and limping has many causes. Screening healthy breeding dogs and investigating a symptomatic pet are different tasks; routine repeated joint X-rays are not automatically needed for every healthy companion.
Practical daily care
- Feed a complete diet appropriate for age and expected adult size, measuring portions and adjusting to body condition.
- Brush the short coat regularly and clean and dry damp lip folds gently when needed.
- Inspect the long ears and ask your vet to demonstrate any recommended cleaning. Avoid cotton buds, harsh liquids and leftover medication.
- Maintain nails and daily toothbrushing, introducing handling gradually.
- Keep preventive examinations, vaccination and parasite protection suited to local exposure.
Do not assume every floppy ear needs weekly treatment. Ear infection may involve allergy, moisture or other factors, and recurrent disease needs reassessment. Supplements do not replace appropriate nutrition or treatment.
Emergency signs and common mistakes
Unsuccessful retching, a swelling abdomen, sudden restlessness, weakness or collapse requires immediate veterinary attention. The ACVS guidance explains GDV and why preventive gastropexy may be discussed for higher-risk dogs, including those with affected relatives. Smaller meals and slow feeders cannot eliminate the risk.
Breathing difficulty, severe weakness or a suddenly painful eye also needs urgent help. Avoid waiting for a routine screen when symptoms appear, forcing exercise through pain, or giving human painkillers.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Bracco need to hunt?
No. Suitable recreational exercise and scent-based activities can provide outlets, provided the individual dog's needs are met.
Can a Bracco live in a smaller home?
Possibly. Safe exercise access, companionship, training and space to rest comfortably matter more than the address alone.
Are kidney checks only for breeding dogs?
No. The breed club also recommends ongoing kidney monitoring for companions; your vet can tailor the plan.
Should I treat a smelly ear myself?
Arrange an assessment, especially with pain or discharge. Different causes need different treatment, and unsuitable products can cause harm.
Consistent everyday care and attention to kidney, eye and ear changes help support a comfortable active life.
ASK A VET™ supports informed breed care. Your veterinarian can help turn your Bracco's family history and examination findings into a practical health plan.
